I've been slowly re-shooting many of my coins. It's a never ending mission trying to photograph coins in a way that shows them in a flattering light without misleading what they look like in hand. Some are easier than others. Here's a few I did this weekend along with some background notes. They all have nice old cabinet toning: Helmeted head of Roma right X behind Victory in biga right C CATO below ROMA in Ex. Rome, 123 BC 3.88g Sear 149, Crawford 274/1, Sydenham 417 Head of Roma right quadrangular device containing circle behind Rev. Victory in triga right AP CL T MAL Q VR MAL and VR in monogram) Sear 176, Crawford 299/1a. Rome 11/110 BC 3.89g This coin depicts the rare three horse chariot the triga. The only other example being on a serrated denarii of C. Naevius Balbus in the time of Sulla Head of Pietas right ALBINVS BRVTI F Clasped hands holding winged caduceus 3.1g Rome 48 BC Sear 427; Crawford 450/2; Sydenham 942; RBW 1577 Decimus Junius Brutus was a distant relative of Marcus Brutus. He was known as one of Caesar's "most intamate associates" and a friend of Mark Antony. Albinus had served under Caesar in both the Gallic Wars and the Civil War. He participated in the siege of Massilia (Marseilles) that held out against Caesar for months. He also commanded a Caesarian fleet. Plutarch considered Albinus "of no great courage," but Albinus was a faithful and loyal supporter of Caesar. He was to be Consul in 42 BC along with Lucius Plancus. While awaiting the consulship Albinus was to become Governor of Cisalpine Gaul when the post became available in the spring of 44BC Albinus was approached by Cassius and Labeo to involve him in the conspiracy to murder Caesar. Albinus wanted to make sure Marcus Brutus was involved before agreeing to the plot. After meeting with Brutus he agreed. Both Brutus and Albinus received notification of a meeting of the Senate on March 15th and Albinus agreed to use an exhibition of his Gladiators after the meeting as protection in case things got out of hand after the murder had taken place. Caesar's retired legionaries were all around the city and none of the conspirators knew how they would react at Caesar's death. At a dinner at the house of Marcus Lepidus on the night of March 14, 44BC Caesar was in attendence along with Decimus Brutus. Towards the end of the night Caesar's secretary approached for him to sign some letters. As he was signing Albinus posed a philosophical question to him: "What sort of death is best?" Caesar answered "A sudden one" The next morning the Senate awaited Caesar to arrive. Caesr's wife Calpurnia and the auspeces warned Caesar not to attend the meeting. When Caesar delayed the conspirator's sent Albinus to Caesar's house. Albinus convinced Caesar to at least postpone the meeting in person. Antony was against this idea. Caesar was then murered by the conspirators in the Theater of Pompey in the Campus Martius, Albinus being a key player in the conspiracy. Helmeted head of Roma right X behind Victory in biga right L SAVF VF in monogram ROMA below Rome, 152 BC 3.54g Sear 83, Saufeia 1, Syd 384 Head of Juno Sospita right clad in goat skin ISMR behind Rev. Bull charging right H above THORIVS below BALBVS in ex Rome 105 BC 3.76g Sear 191; Craw., 316/1; Bab., 1; Syd., 598 ex-Calgary coins C. Thorius Balbus was Born a native of Lanuvium. Cicero describes him as a man who lived in such a manner that there was not a single pleasure, however refined or rate, that he did not enjoy. He is possibly the son of M. Aclius Balbus (168 B.C.) A coin was minted in honor of L. Thorius Balbus. On the front is the head of Juno Sospita, a god whose worship was of great antiquity in Lanuvium, and the letters I.S.M.R. On the reverse is L.THORIVS BALBVS with a bull rushing forward.
Excellent photos. When we make large photos of small coins it is hard to be fair to the coin and equally fair to anyone who might later buy the coin based on our image. I am in the middle of going through my coins placing hands on each one looking for candidates for removal from the collection. I find fewer coins that look as bad as their photos than I do those whose faults have been magnified. I guess that means by photography is more like what we find on a passport than on a movie poster. What would your coins say to you if they could comment on how you have represented their beauty? I suspect this group would be pleased with the results you have shown.
Nice pics of beautiful coins. I've just bought a new camera myself (still waiting for it to arrive in the mail) and am looking forward to seeing how it will improve my pics Q
Really beautiful coins Jay and your photos are great. I know how challenging it is to get attractive pictures of coins. I also appreciate your input with mine. It really helped.
@Jay GT4 , your photos are GREAT! Well shot, great detail... I am terrible at pics... no patience, and a poor understudy. It was fun looking through mine to see that I have ALL of your Denarii... HOWEVER, my Crawford 450 is /1a, not your /2. I had to do a double-take because I have the Carnyces and not your cool hand-shake and winged caduceus! RImp Albinus Bruti AR Den 48 BC Mars Carnyces Cr 450-1a (Yes, my blurry pic. the background was granular, not dusty.) The banker's mark on Mars' cheek looks like WAR-PAINT!
